Differences between AK-47 and AR-15
Contents
AK-47 vs. AR-15[edit]
The AK-47 and AR-15 are two of the most widespread and recognizable rifles in the world.[1] Developed during the Cold War, they represent distinct design philosophies from the Soviet Union and the United States, respectively.[2][3] The AK-47 was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1947 and was adopted by the Soviet military in 1949.[4][5] The AR-15 was developed by Eugene Stoner for Armalite in the late 1950s and was later adopted by the U.S. military as the M16.[2] While both are gas-operated, magazine-fed, semi-automatic rifles in their civilian forms, they differ significantly in construction, operation, and handling.[3]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | AK-47 | AR-15 |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Soviet Union | United States |
| Primary Materials | Stamped or milled steel receiver, wood or polymer furniture[3] | Forged or milled aluminum receivers, polymer furniture |
| Operating System | Long-stroke gas piston | Direct impingement[3] |
| Common Cartridge | 7.62x39mm | 5.56x45mm NATO / .223 Remington |
| Typical Weight | ~7.7 lbs (3.5 kg) empty[5] | ~6.5 lbs (2.9 kg) empty |
| Reputation | Ruggedness and reliability in harsh conditions | Accuracy, modularity, and ergonomic design |
Design and Materials[edit]
The core difference in design philosophy is evident in the materials and construction of each rifle. The AK-47 was built for durability and ease of mass production, utilizing a receiver made from stamped or milled steel.[3] This construction contributes to its reputation for functioning reliably in adverse conditions with minimal maintenance. In contrast, the AR-15 was designed with an emphasis on light weight and precision, using forged or milled aluminum for its receivers. This makes the AR-15 generally lighter and more susceptible to issues from carbon fouling within the receiver.
Operating System[edit]
The two rifles utilize different gas operating systems to cycle the action. The AK-47 employs a long-stroke gas piston system. In this mechanism, hot gas from a fired cartridge pushes a piston that is attached to the bolt carrier, driving it rearward to eject the spent casing and load a new round. This system keeps propellant gases out of the receiver, which contributes to its reliability.
The AR-15 uses a direct impingement system.[3] This design channels hot gas from the barrel through a thin tube directly into the bolt carrier group inside the receiver, causing it to cycle. While this system is lighter and can contribute to better accuracy, it introduces carbon fouling directly into the action, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain reliability.
Cartridge and Ballistics[edit]
The standard chamberings for each rifle result in different performance characteristics. The AK-47 typically fires the 7.62x39mm round, a heavier, larger-caliber bullet known for its stopping power and effectiveness at penetrating intermediate barriers.[2] However, it has a more curved trajectory and a shorter effective range, generally around 300 to 400 meters.[4][1]
The AR-15 commonly uses the 5.56x45mm NATO or .223 Remington cartridge. This is a smaller, lighter, high-velocity round that offers a flatter trajectory, lower recoil, and greater accuracy at longer distances, with an effective range often cited at 400 to 600 meters.[4]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "entrainement-militaire.fr". Retrieved October 22, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "massimoprecision.com". Retrieved October 22, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "rileydefense.com". Retrieved October 22, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "blackbasin.com". Retrieved October 22, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "bearcreekarsenal.com". Retrieved October 22, 2025.
